Rams Ink 13 Rookie Free Agents

On the heels of the 2010 NFL draft, the Rams front office moved quickly to sign 13 rookies who weren’t among the 255 players selected over the weekend. Seven of he 13 players are from the offensive side of the ball, and all of the players are expected to take part in the upcoming rookie minicamp this weekend. The players include:

Jermelle Cudjo, DT, Central Oklahoma
Freddie Harris, LB, Central Oklahoma
Cardia Jackson, LB, Louisiana-Monroe
Jeromy Jones. S, Idaho
Simoni Lawrence, LB, Minnesota
Thaddeus Lewis, QB, Duke
Jamie McCoy, FB/TE, Texas A&M
Brandon McRae, WR, Mississippi State
Roderick Owens, WR, Florida State
Darian Stewart, S, South Carolina
Kennedy Tinsley, FB, North Carolina
Keith Toston, RB, Oklahoma State
DeMaundray Woolridge, RB, Idaho

Here are some thoughts on some of these players. Simoni Lawrence, an outside linebacker from Minnesota, is a bit undersized but he possesses very good speed. He was a high school running back, and he is an excellent athlete who could contribute on special teams if he makes the squad. Thaddeus Lewis, the quarterback from Duke, is intriguing. He doesn’t have the greatest measurables, but he started four years in the ACC and was second team All-Conference the last two seasons. He is a long shot to make the roster, but there is a chance he could have an NFL career. Brandon McRae (WR Miss St.) had great size a 6-4, and he had an excellent Junior season, catching 51 passes for 518 yards. Unfortunately, he suffered a nasty broken leg at the end of the year and he didn’t look like the same player last year as a senior. Rod Owens (WR FSU) is coming off a nice senior season in which he hauled in 61 catches for 729 yards and three scores.

The running backs on this list are both exciting but in very different ways. Keith Toston was an absolute stud last season for Oklahoma State, as he carried the ball 227 times for 1,218 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to being named to the first team All-Conference. He added 25 catches for 261 yards as well, showing he is comfortable catching the ball out of the backfield. Toston averaged a ridiculous 6.1 yards per rush during his career at OSU, and he will certainly be given a hard look by the coaches. He isn’t a burner, but he is fast and physical and can carry the load when called upon. DeMaundray Woolridge comes from Idaho, but he started his career at Washington St. This kid is a bruiser, as he stands just 5-9 but weighs in around 220 or so. He had 18 touchdowns last season, and he could have some potential as a short-yardage or goal line back in the NFL.